This week I thought i’d share ten things to consider when choosing a network.
1. What is your intention?
Why are you considering this group? Are you going for business, information, support, or just to have some fun? If you’re joining for business results, the organization will have to have a whole different focus than an organization for fun.
2. Does the organization have your Target Market Prospects as members?
For example if you work with Company Directors then does this organisation have Company Directors as members? The danger here would be that you could become overbear and try to sell to people at every opportunity. Building good relationships first os the way to consistent ling term referred business.
3. Does the organization have your Referral Sources as members?
A good referral source would be a profession that also works with your target market clients. If you are in a group with these people then it obviously improves your chances of constant referrals to your key clients.
4. How long has the group been in existence?
If a group is new then this is not necessarily a bad thing. Recruiting members to new groups can be difficult, however the positive is, you get a chance to recruit the types of members want. This means you can create the culture for the group.
5. What is the basic philosophy of the organization?
What is the mission of the organization? Does it support your purpose for joining? Doers it operate in a way that is congruent for you?
6. How many members does it have?
If you’re joining a referral-based organization, it’s better to belong to a big one. The more people involved the better the likelyhood you will have a good representation of people that can refer you.
7. What is the quality of the membership?
Are they the types of people and personalities that you would enjoy being around and working with? How long have they been there? How many people are actively engaged?
8. How often does it meet?
This is a very important question if your sole purpose is to gain business referrals. If they don’t meet often, preferably weekly, it is much more difficult to have the results you’re looking for.
9. How do other members feel about the group?
Visiting a group two or three times before committing will help you get a true feel for how the group operates and if it has what you need.
10. Can I become relevant, or an important player, in this organization?
Success at networking is reliant on being important. The more you can become involved the better you will do.
More tips?
If you enjoyed this blog and would like to how to get the most from your networking then you can download my free ebook “47 Networking nuggets” by clicking on the link below.